Network Magazine Summer 2020 | Page 25

CEC ARTICLE 1 OF 5 ARTICLES

STRESS AND THE CORE

THE HIDDEN EFFECTS ON THE PELVIC FLOOR

A dramatic rise in pelvic pain and organ prolapse during the global pandemic highlights the link between chronic stress and dysfunction in this area of the body , writes women ’ s health expert Dianne Edmonds .

I n the first few months of the global pandemic , Melbournebased Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist , and director of Women ’ s & Men ’ s Health Physiotherapy , Shan Morrison noticed a dramatic increase in the number of clients presenting with pelvic pain and pelvic organ prolapse .

Pelvic organ prolapse is when one or more of the pelvic organs ( the bladder , uterus or bowel ) drops , and occurs in one in two women who have had children . It is likely , therefore , that some of your female clients will have a prolapse , which can impact how much and what type of training is suitable for them .
The effects of the pandemic , including the changes to exercise patterns , the closure of gyms and training options plus increased time at home with children , have been some of the factors that may have led to the increase in women being bothered by prolapse .
Pelvic pain is a condition experienced by many Australian women and men , but is rarely spoken about . Pelvic pain is pain felt in the pelvic area , including the genitals , and often involves changes in bladder , bowel and sexual function . Pelvic pain is unique to pain in other areas of the body , due to the pelvis containing our crucial organs for living – the bladder , bowel and reproductive organs . Problems in the pelvis are therefore highly distressing for many people .
The stress associated with the pandemic has led to worsening pelvic pain for many people , according to Morrison ; “ Humans are not built to cope with constant stress . Chronic stress can lead to hypervigilance in the central nervous system ( CNS ) which has a negative effect on pain . Pain is felt when the brain decides that the perceived threat or danger of a current situation is greater than the perceived safety . When the brain is in a hypervigilant state , this threshold is lower , meaning pain is more easily experienced ” she explains .
Sleep disruption can also contribute to pain . Many studies have found that sleep disturbances lead to hyperexcitability of the CNS and lowering of the pain threshold . For example , one study found that a single night of sleep deprivation has been found to increase anxiety and pain in healthy people . It is likely that a vicious cycle exists , with poor sleep leading to lower pain thresholds , which contributes to enhanced sensitivity to pain , which in turn worsens sleep quality .
Being aware of hidden pelvic floor issues
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of the pelvis in both women and men , which provides support to the pelvic organs . It forms the base of the core and its function can be affected by pregnancy and childbirth , constipation and straining , heavy lifting , types of exercise and the effects of physical and emotional stress .
Having an awareness , through screening , of your clients , and being open to discussing pelvic floor issues and the effects of stress on their bodies can enhance your prescription of appropriate training programs for clients who have , or are at risk of having , a prolapse or other pelvic floor issues .
NETWORK SUMMER 2020 | 25